We work with the procurement team and utilise NetPositives to work with our supply chain to determine what their priorities are and via the Procurement Policy, encourage staff with purchasing responsibilities to consider sustainability and long-term running costs when purchasing new equipment.
We have partnered with the British Heart Foundation for over 5 years to help reduce waste being left in alleyways in the surrounding streets at the end of the academic year, and instead donate unwanted, good quality items to charity. In 2021, 425 bags worth approximately £5,950 were donated to the BHF. In return, the BHF provide CPR training to all Residential Assistants and run sessions throughout the year.
At the end of each academic year, we identify any abandoned bikes that have been left in bike shelters, unclaimed bikes are donated to Bren Bikes for spare parts or repairs.
Our Green Impact teams (now referred to as Climate Action) run a number of charity events, including Seaborne's Library Caring Cup project, which raised over £1000 for ShareAid and was nominated and shortlisted for a Green Gown Award in 2019.
Networks
The University is represented by members of the Sustainability team on various local networks, where we seek to create and contribute to initiatives and campaigns that will reduce carbon emissions, improve our environment and reduce inequalities in our community.
Chester Sustainability Forum
The Chester Sustainability Forum comprises representatives from local environmental groups, businesses, and political parties, with a common objective to improve the environmental sustainability of Chester and its surrounding area. The Forum was instrumental in Cheshire West and Chester Council declaring a Climate Emergency in May 2019. The University will be exploring how it can support the council and wider community to contribute skills and knowledge to the Climate Emergency.
Integrated Sustainable Transport Task
Established by Cheshire West and Chester Council, the taskforce works to identify and make recommendations to the Council on ways to create high quality, vibrant and liveable communities through improved walking, cycling, public transport and integrated transport projects in Cheshire West and Chester.
Fit for the Future
Fit for the Future is an environmental sustainability network that brings together over 100 charities, heritage organisations, cultural venues, and landowners. Members collaborate and share knowledge on becoming climate-friendly, adaptive, and resilient organisations. The University is a part of the network and have hosted regional meetings to share our story of PV installation and presented in discussion groups on behaviour change and at the annual Network Harvest in November 2019.
Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges
The University has institutional membership to the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC). Staff and students can register to access a variety of resources, case studies and expertise on areas from energy efficiency, sustainable food to engagement and education for sustainability. We also attend the North West Regional Meetings collaborating with colleagues in the North West and sharing best practice.
The EAUC run the Green Gown Awards, established in 2004 recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by Universities and Colleges. See Achievements and Awards for details of the submissions.
Community Liaison Group
The Sustainability Unit is part of the University and Community Liaison Committee, which meets once a term with University staff, SU reps, Cheshire West and Chester locality and regulatory services staff, Councillors, Police and Community Safety Wardens and Local Residents’ Associations. A key outcome of being a part of this committee has been developing links between the University, Council and local community to initiate plans to reduce waste left in the local community at the end of term through the British Heart Foundation Pack for Good campaign.